Charles Saatchi to divorce Nigella Lawson

Charles Saatchi has released a statement confirming the end of his 10-year marriage to TV chef Nigella Lawson

Charles Saatchi has confirmed he will divorce Nigella Lawson.

The couple's 10-year marriage was in doubt after he accepted a police caution for assault after photographs emerged showing his hand around the throat of the TV chef as they argued outside Scott's restaurant in London.

In a statement in the Mail on Sunday newspaper, Charles revealed they had "drifted apart" over the last year, and again insisted his actions were not of a violent nature despite PR agent James Hutchinson reportedly advising him to make a statement apologising for the assault.

He said: "I am sorry to announce that Nigella Lawson and I are getting divorced.

"This is heartbreaking for both of us as our love was very deep, but in the last year we have become estranged and drifted apart.

"I feel that I have clearly been a disappointment to Nigella during the last year of so, and I am disappointed that she was advised to make no public comment to explain that I abhor violence of any kind against women, and have never abused her in any way."

Charles stressed the photographs give a "wholly different and incorrect implication" for what he described as a "gesture".

He continued: "Yes, my hands were around her neck, and they had been touching her arm. Difficult as it may be to believe, for those who have seen the pictures, there was no pressure applied to her.

"In fact it was merely a gesture - one to which a still photograph gives a wholly different and incorrect implication. Nigella has given a statement to support this view. I am sorry that we had a row.

"I am sorry she was upset. I am even more sorry that this is the end of our marriage. I wish Nigella only the best for the future, and for her continuing global success."

Although he added she had also grasped his neck to get his attention during previous arguments, he insisted she feels "fortunate" for their time together.

He concluded: "She remains the most wonderful woman in the world. I feel very fortunate to have had such a lovely wife for many years."